A marked variation in the concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) used for irritant patch testing is found in the literature, but is hitherto unexplained. In the present study, 2 different qualities of SLS were tested clinically on healthy volunteers. The skin responses were evaluated by visual scoring as well as by non-invasive measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), blood flow and oedema. A significant difference in the skin response to the 2 qualities was found both clinically and by non-invasive methods used for quantitation. 5 different qualities of SLS were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Marked discrepancies in the quantity of C12 carbon chains in the products were found, offering an explanation for the proven difference in the clinical response. It is concluded that only SLS qualities of high purity should be used for irritant patch testing, and that both the quality and the purity of SLS should be stated.

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The aim of the study was to elaborate recommendations for inhalation during mechanical ventilation that could optimize delivery. Delivery of aerosols in vitro from nebulizers during mechanical ventilation is dependent on the dimensions of the ventilator circuit, the nebulizer type, and the ventilator settings. A review of the literature shows that some ventilator settings have a larger influence on the amount of aerosol delivered than others. It has been shown in an in vitro model that the factors influencing delivered aerosol are the ventilator flow rate, the diameter of the endotracheal tube, and the time spent in inspiration (all p < 0.05). Two different nebulizer types were used in the study: an ultrasonic nebulizer (SUN 345) and a high-frequency vibrating mesh nebulizer (Aeroneb Pro). No difference in the amount delivered was seen with different nebulizer types (p = 0.215). For optimizing the amount delivered, the largest possible flow, endotracheal tube, and time spent in inspiration should be used.

Introduction and objectiveThe regulation of pharmacy preparations, especially for standards for quality assurance and safety, is not harmonised across Europe and falls under the national competencies of individual states. There are concerns about quality control and safety for the medicinal products made in pharmacies, which is widespread in European countries. There are, however, good reasons to continue this practice, which is able to tailor preparations to the specific needs of a particular patient or patient group and to provide a supplementary source of supply when an industrially manufactured product, which is authorised for marketing is not available or when there are temporary shortages of licensed medicines. In seeking to provide guidelines for legislation and acting on the advice of an expert group dealing in pharmaceutical practices, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe passed a resolution in 2011. The Council of Europe Resolution provides authorities and pharmacists with the means to reinforce safety measures for medicinal products prepared in pharmacies and to harmonise quality assurance and safety standards. It dealt with aspects of pharmacy preparation such as quality standards for preparation and distribution, marketing authorisation, product dossiers, labelling, reporting, and safety. In 2013 and 2014 the Committee of Experts carried out a survey to evaluate the impact of the resolution within a cross section of member states. The objectives of this study were both to monitor the extent to which the recommendations had been enshrined in national legislation and also to understand current differences in legislation and practice between the member states.MethodsIn the resolution of 2011 the member states were recommended to adapt their legislation in line with its provisions. The survey that was carried out in 2013 and 2014 followed the recommendations in the resolution. A questionnaire was made and sent to a cross section of member states.ResultsAmong the member states involved, the results of this survey show a clear commitment to implement the recommendations of the resolution.ConclusionsThis report presents the results of the survey with a discussion of outstanding issues.